The promised photos -- the beautiful sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo; me, in said repaired glasses, with some nice Greek kids, watching the sunset; Donatello's moving Penitent Magdalene; some modern Florentines dressed like 15th century Florentines for no apparent reason.
This morning was GREAT. One of the museums I would like to visit, Museo Stibbert, responded to my request to see some pieces that aren't on public view and so I raced over before they could 
change their minds. The director, Charles Fuchs, showed me and another guest around the villa-cum-museum that houses the collection of Frederick Stibbert, who was phenomenally interested in armor. They have the largest collection of Japanese armor outside of Japan. After ooh-ing and aah-ing over the amazing pieces, I saw the small items that affect my paper, and then headed for ANOTHER museum. The Accademia, where they house Michelangelo’s David, had a two hour line! At least I queued next to an interesting couple from California -- they kindly held my place while I ran for a gelato. 
In the evening, I went for a walk around the piazzas and managed to run into Marco, Mr. I'll-make-you-a-cappuccino-at-my-house. After introducing me to another gelato place (yes, I have a problem), Marco offered me 1.) a foot rub, and 2.) a second chance to see his house since he 'had to shower.' I passed, but not before discovering that we were in the same restaurant at the same time on Saturday! Florence is a VERY small place. Marco finally understood that I would not join him a casa sua, so I sat in the piazza to read when a fifty+ year old man sat down to chat. At first, I was annoyed -- but then I thought I'd practice my Italian. We chatted for 25 minutes or so (I honestly didn't know that I knew that much Italian!) before he invited me on a date. I of course claimed that I'm getting married in March. You're all invited.
change their minds. The director, Charles Fuchs, showed me and another guest around the villa-cum-museum that houses the collection of Frederick Stibbert, who was phenomenally interested in armor. They have the largest collection of Japanese armor outside of Japan. After ooh-ing and aah-ing over the amazing pieces, I saw the small items that affect my paper, and then headed for ANOTHER museum. The Accademia, where they house Michelangelo’s David, had a two hour line! At least I queued next to an interesting couple from California -- they kindly held my place while I ran for a gelato. 
In the evening, I went for a walk around the piazzas and managed to run into Marco, Mr. I'll-make-you-a-cappuccino-at-my-house. After introducing me to another gelato place (yes, I have a problem), Marco offered me 1.) a foot rub, and 2.) a second chance to see his house since he 'had to shower.' I passed, but not before discovering that we were in the same restaurant at the same time on Saturday! Florence is a VERY small place. Marco finally understood that I would not join him a casa sua, so I sat in the piazza to read when a fifty+ year old man sat down to chat. At first, I was annoyed -- but then I thought I'd practice my Italian. We chatted for 25 minutes or so (I honestly didn't know that I knew that much Italian!) before he invited me on a date. I of course claimed that I'm getting married in March. You're all invited.
6 comments:
Not another wedding !!!!!
Gelato I can deal with!
Just a guess but I think you're having a good time?
I hope they make veggie gelato... someone's not getting her 9-a-day!
Broccoli gelato - think that could be my million dollar idea?
Broccoli gelato???? Ugh!!!!!!
Have you noticed Italian drivers suddenly becoming more civilized on the road as a result of the Pope's 10 Commandments of Driving? NPR pointed out this morning that "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's two-seater convertible" was mysteriously absent from the list of driving sins - which is good, because I covet a lot of other people's cars!
I heard that NPR piece too! All this, and the speed limit in the Vatican is only 19! Pope needs some more interesting things to do. Perhaps he's available for an afternoon gelato with Kate.
yes! gelato con Il Papa! I'm on it. Maybe we'll try a vegetable flavor, Shane. And yes, dad, I'm having a BLAST. Italy and me -- we get along swell.
I want more info on this 10 commandments of driving. I thought I only had to remember 10 -- 20 is really pushing it.
Post a Comment